NBA Power Rankings: Week 13
The first full week after the all star break is over, some teams have stumbled out of the gate while others have thrived. The middle part of these rankings have had the same teams all year jockeying for spots. The top has started to change more and more. I should have been doing this the entire time but with these rankings are the teams current records and where they were ranked last week. Let’s get it.
16. Golden State Warriors (20-20)
Previously: Not Ranked
The Warriors started the second half off with a lifeless game against the Clippers, where Steph Curry was doing his best to get the team fired up. It worked for the next game where they came out firing. Steph had 32 points, Draymond Green another triple-double and James Wiseman had 16 off the bench in a win over the Jazz. Finishing the week with a loss to the Lakers, Golden State moves in the top 16 after the win over Utah.
15. Charlotte Hornets (20-18)
Previously #16
The Hornets finally move up in these rankings, and have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch all season, hell, their commentators seem to think so. They had a huge comeback win over the Kings where they were down by as much as 15 at one point. Ball. Rozier, and Hayward are leading the team in these close games where they have a 11-3 record in games decided by 3 points. This is starting to be a tough team to face down the stretch.
14. New York Knicks (20-20)
Previously #11
The Knicks are a relevant team again which is fun for the league. But we learned that they aren’t ready to contend with the big boys just yet. They got destroyed by the Bucks and lost in a squeaker to the Nets. The duo of Julius Randle and RJ Barrett will be the future, now are the Knicks buyers or sellers or sit pat at the deadline?
13. Boston Celtics (20-18)
Previously #13
I talked some shit about the Celtics on the pod two weeks ago. Luckily for them, their depth is finally healthy. Marcus Smart is back, while he is still on a minute restriction he brings a defensive tenacity to the Celtics. They are scoring in droves right now averaging almost 120 a game. Maybe they got a TLDR bump?
12. Portland Trailblazers (22-16)
Previously #10
Dame Lillard has been keeping this team afloat during the injury to his back-court mate CJ McCollum. Luckily for Portland CJ is coming back this week. That will help, but the real problem is their defense. They have the second worst defensive rating in the league, Dame and CJ can keep them in any game, but will they be able to make enough defensive stops?
11. San Antonio Spurs (20-16)
Previously #9
As we talked about on the pod this week, LaMarcus Aldridge won’t be a Spur for much longer. They are actively looking for a trade partner and if they can’t find one, he will be bought out. Jakob Poeltl has been a far better big man, with him on the floor the Spurs are a much better defensive team. Their east coast swing continues this week, it started 1-1.
10. Dallas Mavericks (20-18)
Previously #12
Here come the Mavs, they had a busy week going 2-2 in the week following the all star break. Big wins over the Spurs and Nuggets give them the advantage in the seedings as we get closer to the playoffs. KP isn’t getting traded and Luka is finally playing at an MVP level we expected of him.
9. Miami Heat (21-18)
Previously #14
James is an idiot. We all know this, Jimmy Butler is the reason why James is a dummy. The Heat have won 10 out of 11 and they have done it without Bam Adebeyo. Goran Dragic has played well since returning from injury and is giving Jimmy a running mate with some play making ability. The Heat survived their early season struggles and now can sit pretty in our top ten.
8. Los Angeles Clippers (26-15)
Previously #7
I am down on the Clippers, they are talented but have no fight in them. Kawhi and PG13 can’t do it all. They have no consistency and are getting blown out by lesser teams, losing in New Orleans in spectacular fashion. They have time to turn it around but again they need a point guard and need to play better defense or they will disappoint again.
7. Denver Nuggets (23-16)
Previously #8
Jamal Murray most overrated played in the NBA? His play has not been up to par this year and he is only averaging 9.7 points a game post all star break. Michael Porter Jr and Will Barton have stepped up in his absence, both averaging over 20 a game. They are 7-3 over their last 10 and can continue to rise in these rankings, but will need Jamal Murray if they want to go deep in the playoffs.
6. Utah Jazz (28-10)
Previously #2
This might come as a shock, but the Jazz have started to falter a bit. I know they have the best record in the league but going 2-4 over their last 6. They beat a Rockets team that is falling apart and followed it by getting blown out by Golden State. This could be the Jazz coming back to earth or a bump in the road, but if their defense doesn’t start performing they could continue to slide in my rankings.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (26-13)
Previously #5
Anthony Davis will be out for at least another couple of weeks. LeBron is still 36 years old and says he doesn’t want to rest. But he will have to rest up if he wants to make another deep Finals run. The rest of the cast will need to step up defensively when James is off the court until AD gets back. Watch for the Lakers to make a move in the buyout market.
4. Milwaukee Bucks (25-14)
Previously #6
Giannis is leading the Bucks back to the top of the East standings. It isn’t always pretty but they are getting the job done. They crushed the Knicks to start back up after the break and then had two strange wins against the Wizards. They are finally getting the depths scoring they need. Here come the Deer.
3. Phoenix Suns (26-12)
Previously #4
CP3 for MVP? Hey that rhymes. They have won 8 out of 10 and are a threat in the West. Devin Booker is playing like the all star like he was, Chris Paul is the veteran presence they Suns need. Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton are playing at a higher level. They are turning into a real threat.
2. Philadelphia 76ers (27-12)
Previously #3
The 76ers are in a weird spot. Both Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid missed the all star games and then missed games after the break. Then they got a real scare, after Joel Embiid landed funny, he’s got a bone bruise in his leg. He should be back after a couple of weeks. A four games in a five day stretch will be a big test.
Brooklyn Nets (27-13)
Previously #1
The Nets are possibly the best offensive team we have seen in the last decade. James Harden and Kyrie Irving are playing at an absurd level right now. Kevin Durant is still missing and there is no timetable for his return. Right now it doesn’t matter but eventually the Nets will need their three stars to play together. Their defense will need to at least be passable for that offense to carry them to the finals.